3. Natural is in vogue

Rocks, boulders and pebbles create structure in your outdoor living area and can also act as a wind and weather barrier to protect smaller plants.

They can also be used as quirky mail boxes or house address signs.

Natural Creations Inc.
I like that boulder. That is a nice boulder.

4. Yards go greener

Landscaping with less colour is a backyard trend this year. Keep it simple with pastel colours, shrub beds and small hedges, and keep your grass freshly cut.

5. Glam plants

When you do want those striking pops of colour, dazzle your outdoor landscape with peonies, wisteria or even cherry blossoms.

For a garden with a fresh perfume, try the Nepalese paper plant 'Jacqueline Postill' (Daphne bholua).

Juliette Wade via Getty Images

6. Scaling down estates

Forget climbing vines and high hedges. In 2017, gardens are downsizing to reflect more compact, neat outdoor living areas.

You can still make a big impact in a small space, however, by choosing smaller plants and taking a minimalist approach -- sometimes less is more. And hey, at least you don't have to do the gardening as frequently.

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